Sunday, March 27, 2007

Group wants 'legacy' for bridge
2009 marks 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson voyage


By Michael Valkys
Poughkeepsie Journal

The group working to re-open the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge is lobbying to make it a showcase for New York's 400th anniversary celebration of Henry Hudson's voyage along the river that bears his name.

Walkway Over the Hudson leaders want to receive special designation as the 2009 celebration's "legacy project.''

Gaining that designation could mean more public and private funds for the nonprofit's effort to reopen the bridge, closed since a 1974 fire.

"That's what we're trying to get everyone to buy into,'' Walkway Chairman Fred Schaeffer said of the project being officially linked to the celebration. "There is no better way to honor Henry Hudson than to reopen the bridge.''

Walkway officials said the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission, which is planning a series of 2009 celebrations, is considering the railroad bridge as a legacy project to celebrate the river's past and guide it into the future.

Commission chief Heather Baker Sullivan could not be reached for comment.

Town of Poughkeepsie resident Thalia Sudnik said she would love to see the span made a key part of the celebration.

"I hope it opens,'' Sudnik said. "It's an absolutely great idea. … I love the river and anything that gets us out walking.''

Walkway Vice Chairman David Rocco, the group's liaison to the 2009 celebration, said earning the special designation would propel efforts to restore and reopen the bridge to the public.

"It would help us secure funds from the state and lead us in the direction of corporate sponsorship,'' Rocco said. "You would have a wonderful opportunity to showcase the mid-Hudson Valley on a national stage.''

Cost estimates to reopen the bridge range from $10 million to $15 million, although officials said that figure could be lower, depending on the scope of renovations.

Walkway expects to receive nearly $1 million in federal transportation funding this summer to help with the project.

The group last year had divers inspect the span's massive piers, which officials said revealed no major problems. The upcoming federal funding would help pay for further inspections, this time of the steel superstructure.

Walkway's long-term plans call for an elevator along the Poughkeepsie waterfront leading to the walkway over the river. Officials said the span's proximity to the Poughkeepsie Train Station, Waryas Park and the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum would make the elevator and span top attractions.

Rocco said the site could also become home to the Half Moon, a replica of Hudson's 1609 ship.

Walkway officials also envision connecting the span with the Hudson Valley Rail Trail across the river in Highland and the Dutchess Rail Trail from Poughkeepsie to Hopewell Junction.

Schaeffer said the project would be perfect for the 400th anniversary, with the bridge promoting history, recreation and transportation. Officials envision the span open to residents and visitors, 212 feet above the water.

"The view is just unbelievable,'' Schaeffer said. "This will be a true way to celebrate Hudson'' the explorer.

The bridge dates to the 19th century and was used by trains to transport goods around the region. It handled passenger service as well until 1931.